U.S. patent number 6,543,703 [Application Number 09/748,730] was granted by the patent office on 2003-04-08 for flexible face non-clogging actuator assembly.
Invention is credited to William S. Blake.
United States Patent |
6,543,703 |
Blake |
April 8, 2003 |
Flexible face non-clogging actuator assembly
Abstract
A non-clog actuator assembly having a flexible face member that
flexes away from first and second positive shutoff mating surfaces
when product under pressure flows into contact with the flexible
face member. The flexible face member then resiliently springs back
into abutting, sealing contact with these shutoff mating surfaces.
Preferably, the device flexes away from the two shutoff mating
surfaces at a predetermined minimum pressure, such as 55 psig, and
then flexes back into sealing contact when the product pressure
drops below this minimum pressure, thereby controlling the
dispensing of the product with a positive shut off (i.e., the
product is dispensed in a fairly constant pattern and then shut off
rather than being very strong at the beginning of the spraying
process and then dribbling out at the end or under low pressure
operations).
Inventors: |
Blake; William S. (Linwood,
NJ) |
Family
ID: |
25010671 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/748,730 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
239/106; 239/337;
239/533.13; 239/571; 239/533.15; 239/452; 239/464 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B
1/3436 (20130101); B05B 1/3457 (20130101); B05B
11/0075 (20130101); B05B 11/007 (20130101); B05B
11/0072 (20130101); B05B 11/0067 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B05B
1/34 (20060101); B05B 11/00 (20060101); B05B
015/02 (); B05B 001/34 () |
Field of
Search: |
;239/337,533.13,533.15,452,464,546,571,106 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0 370 257 |
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May 1990 |
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EP |
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2 767 311 |
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Feb 1999 |
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FR |
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2 792 552 |
|
Feb 2000 |
|
FR |
|
WO 02/51553 |
|
Dec 2001 |
|
WO |
|
Primary Examiner: Evans; Robin O.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A non-clog actuator assembly, comprising: (a) a stem carried
within the actuator assembly, the stem having a stem side wall and
a stem face; (b) a flexible fitment disposed over the stem, the
flexible fitment having a flexible fitment side wall and flexible
fitment face, an orifice on the flexible fitment face; (c) wherein
the flexible fitment has a first position in which the flexible
fitment side wall sealably contacts the stem side wall and the
flexible fitment face sealably contacts at least a portion of the
stem face; and (d) wherein the flexible fitment has a second
position in which the flexible fitment side wall flexes away from
the stem side wall, and the flexible fitment face flexes away from
at least a portion of the stem face; (e) wherein a compression
fitment disposed about the flexible fitment side wall, the
compression fitment having a dimension which arrests the flex of
the flexible fitment side wall at a predetermined distance away
from the stem side wall.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the flexible fitment further
comprises a mechanical breakup means having a turbulent vortices
means.
3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a tip on the stem
face disposed to penetrate the orifice of the flexible fitment
face.
4. The assembly of claim 3, further comprising a reservoir holding
a product under pressure in fluid communication with the stem side
wall, and an openable valve releasing said product, said product
under pressure urging the flexible fitment from the first position
to the second position when the valve is open.
5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the flexible fitment is urged
from the second position to the first position when the valve is
closed.
6. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the flexible fitment is urged
from the second position to the first position when the pressure on
the product is at or below a predetermined level.
7. The assembly of claim 5, further comprising turbo vortexing
channels on the stem face.
8. The assembly of claim 7, further comprising flow channels on the
stem side wall.
9. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising means for
concentrically combining and retaining the stem, the flexible
fitment and the compression fitting.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said means provide for
permanent alignment of the stem, the flexible fitment and the
compression fitting.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the means for permanent
alignment is accomplished by snap-fitting the compression fitting
into position over the stem and the flexible fitment.
12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the compression fitting is
threaded.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the means for permanent
alignment is accomplished by threadably connecting the compression
fitting into position over the stem and the flexible fitment.
14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the compression fitting is
plastic.
15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the compression fitting is
metal.
16. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a non-clog actuator valve post
is disposed within the stem, the valve post further comprising a
valve post side and a valve post face.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein a gasket is disposed between
the valve post face and the compression fitting.
18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein said gasket is flexible.
19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the compression fitting
includes a vortex/swirl chamber pattern within its underside.
20. The assembly of claim 19, further comprising means for
concentrically combining and retaining the valve post, the gasket
and the compression fitting.
21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein said means provide for
permanent alignment of the valve post, the gasket and the
compression fitting.
22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the means for permanent
alignment is accomplished by snap-fitting the compression fitting
into position over the valve post and the gasket.
23. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the compression fitting is
threaded.
24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the means for permanent
alignment is accomplished by threadably connecting the compression
fitting into position over the valve post and the gasket.
25. The assembly of claim 16, wherein a diaphragm is disposed
between the valve post face and the compression fitting.
26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein said diaphragm is
flexible.
27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the diaphragm includes a
vortex/swirl pattern on its face.
28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the compression fitting
includes a smooth underside.
29. The assembly of claim 28, further comprising means for
concentrically combining and retaining the valve post, the
diaphragm and the compression fitting.
30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein said means provide for
permanent alignment of the valve post, the diaphragm and the
compression fitting.
31. The assembly of claim 30, wherein the means for permanent
alignment is accomplished by snap-fitting the compression fitting
into position over the stem and the diaphragm.
32. The assembly of claim 30, wherein the compression fitting is
threaded.
33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein the means for permanent
alignment is accomplished by threadably connecting the compression
fitting into position over the valve post and the diaphragm.
34. A non-clog actuator assembly, comprising: (a) a rigid stem
fitment carried within the actuator assembly, the rigid stem having
a stem face and a stem side wall, such that an interior annular
space is defined by the stem side wall; (b) a flexible fitment
disposed over the rigid stem fitment, the flexible fitment having a
flexible fitment side wall and a flexible fitment face, an orifice
on the flexible fitment face, and a seal bead ring surrounding an
outer surface of the flexible fitment side wall; (c) an actuator
fitment, the actuator fitment having a first protrusion disposed
beneath and within the interior annular space of the rigid stem
fitment, and a second protrusion forming an outer wall surrounding
the rigid stem fitment; (d) wherein the flexible fitment has a
first position in which at least a portion of the flexible fitment
side wall sealably contacts at least a portion of the outer wall of
the actuator fitment and the flexible fitment face sealably
contacts at least a portion of the stem face of the rigid stem
fitment; and (e) wherein the flexible fitment has a second position
in which the flexible fitment side wall with the seal bead ring
flexes away from the wall of a compression fitting and the flexible
fitment face flexes away from at least a portion of the stem face
of the rigid stem fitment.
35. The assembly of claim 34, further comprising a compression
fitting disposed about the flexible fitment side wall, the
compression fitting having a dimension which arrests the flex of
the flexible fitment side wall with the seal bead ring at a
predetermined distance away from the rigid stem side wall.
36. The assembly of claim 35, further comprising a reservoir
holding a product under pressure in fluid communication with the
seal bead ring, and an openable valve releasing said product, said
product under pressure urging the flexible fitment from the first
position to the second position when the valve is open.
37. The assembly of claim 36, wherein the flexible fitment is urged
from the second position to the first position when the valve is
closed.
38. The assembly of claim 37, wherein the flexible fitment is urged
form the second position to the first position when the pressure on
the product is at or below a predetermined level.
39. The assembly of claim 38, further comprising an area defined
between the rigid stem fitment and the flexible fitment, said area
decreasing in capacity when the flexible fitment is urged from the
first position to the second position, and said area increasing in
capacity when the flexible fitment is urged from the second
position to the first position.
40. The assembly of claim 39, further comprising turbo vortexing
channels on the face of the rigid stem fitment.
41. The assembly of claim 40, further comprising turbo vortexing
channels on an underside of the face of the flexible fitment.
42. The assembly of claim 41, further comprising flow channels on
the side wall of the rigid tem fitment.
43. The assembly of claim 42, further comprising means for
concentrically combining and retaining the rigid stem fitment, the
flexible fitment and the compression fitting.
44. The assembly of claim 43, wherein said means provide for
permanent alignment of the rigid stem fitment, the flexible face
fitment and the compression fitting.
45. The assembly of claim 44, wherein the means for permanent
alignment is accomplished by barb-fitting the compression fitting
into position over the rigid stem fitment and the flexible
fitment.
46. The assembly of claim 44, wherein the compression fitting is
threaded.
47. The assembly of claim 46, wherein the means for permanent
alignment is accomplished by threadably connecting the compression
fitting into position over the rigid stem fitment and the flexible
fitment.
48. The assembly of claim 35, wherein the compression fitting is
plastic.
49. The assembly of claim 35, wherein the compression fitting is
metal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to actuator assemblies that are
suitable for use on aerosol dispensers or pumping assemblies. More
particularly, it relates to an actuator assembly which is effective
in preventing or reducing the clogging which is caused by the
drying and hardening of the product being dispensed within the flow
channels and discharge orifice of the actuator assembly.
2. Description of the Related Art
Actuator assemblies that fit on the top of aerosol containers or
that are used as part of a pumping system have been used for many
years to dispense liquid or product under pressure out of a small
opening. Often, the liquid or product is atomized as it exits the
actuator assembly to disperse the liquid in a fine spray using a
specially configured nozzle or other mechanism. While these devices
typically work well initially, they typically become partially or
fully clogged as the product being dispensed dries and hardens in
various flow channels and in the discharge orifice. Many of these
other actuators rely on mechanical force, such as a spring or other
mechanism, to open an orifice and flow channels for dispensing by
withdrawing a probe or plug from the orifice and then closing the
orifice after dispensing the product by moving the probe or plug
back towards or into the orifice.
By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,774 of Lund et al, discloses
a combined lock and anti-clog actuator. The actuator is adjustable
between a locked and an unlocked position. The locked position
cooperates with an anti-clog member, which has a nozzle seal for
inhibiting the clogging of the product within.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,964 of Barnes et al, discloses an inner
actuator chamber arranged in a way designed to minimize blockage of
the actuator.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,095 of Stevenson et al, shows an actuator that
attenuates the accumulation of solidified sprayed fluid.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,877 of Smolen, Jr., discloses a pump dispenser
with a check valve that moves forward during the pressure stroke
and that closes and pulls liquid back during the suction stroke,
minimizing blockage.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,544 of Merritt et al. discloses an
anti-clogging atomizer nozzle.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,982,900 of Blake discloses a trigger sprayer with
several nose piece valve constructions.
Despite the efforts of such devices as shown in the foregoing
patents, there remains a need for an anti-clogging actuator that
can perform a rapid positive shut off. Specifically, a product that
can prevent clogging from occurring by effecting a rapid shut off;
that would afford an effective shut off method to prevent product
build up behind the orifice on seating surfaces and in flow
channels; and that would create a positive shut off to reduce
dribbling or seeping under low pressure would be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-clogging
actuator assembly outlet valve which traps and isolates fluid
within the inlet/outlet channels of the actuator to prevent air
migration.
It is a related object of the present invention to provide a
non-clogging actuator assembly that has double one-way valving with
flexible movement to afford mechanical breakup of hardened
product.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a
non-clogging actuator assembly that has a positive shut-off to
reduce dribble or seeping.
It is a related object of the present invention to provide a
non-clogging actuator assembly that is commercially advantageous by
having a relatively small number of parts, easily molded without
complex actions, and adaptable for use in existing and future
aerosol containers; and which lends itself to a variety of assembly
modes and an assembly sequence that allows for subassembly
pretesting before final assembly.
Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention
will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in
part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
examination of the following or may be learned by the practice of
the invention. The objects and the advantages may be realized and
attained by means of the instrumentalities and in combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with
the purposes of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
described herein, an actuator assembly is provided that addresses
the above discussed clogging problem. The actuator assembly
according to this invention includes a flexible face member that
flexes away from first and second positive shutoff mating surfaces
when product under pressure flows into contact with the flexible
face member. The flexible face member then resiliently springs back
into abutting, sealing contact with these shutoff mating surfaces.
Preferably, the device flexes away from the two shutoff mating
surfaces Express at a predetermined minimum pressure, which in the
preferred embodiment is 55 psig, and then flexes back into sealing
contact when the product pressure drops below this minimum
pressure, thereby controlling the dispensing of the product (i.e.,
the product is dispensed in a fairly constant pattern and then shut
off rather than being very strong at the beginning of the spraying
process and then dribbling out at the end or under low pressure
operations). Those skilled in the art will recognize that any
minimum predetermined pressure required to activate the disclosed
assembly will vary with the type material and the geometry selected
for the individual components.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear
from the following detailed description and drawings of particular
embodiments of the actuator system and method and associated
combinations and features of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a
part of the specification, illustrate the preferred embodiments of
the present invention, and together with the descriptions serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
In the Drawings:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the actuator
assembly of this invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of the actuator assembly of FIG.
1.
FIG. 3 is a detailed sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1
particularly illustrating the registration/alignment of the
actuator assembly's sub-components.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the flexible face fitment of the
actuator assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a pair of perspective views of the compression fitting of
the actuator assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is an overhead view of the actuator turbo of the actuator
assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the
actuator assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the
actuator assembly to be utilized as an outlet valving means in
pumps having only inlet valving means.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the
actuator assembly to be utilized with aerosol devices that require
specific spray patterns.
FIG. 10A is an overhead view of an alternate embodiment of the
actuator assembly of FIG. 1 particularly illustrating capillary
pockets that reduce bleeding at the completion of a spray
cycle.
FIG. 10B is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the
flexible face fitment of FIG. 4 particularly illustrating the two
depending walls that sealably contact the valve post.
FIG. 10C is a bottom view of the two depending walls of FIG. 10B
particularly illustrating the wall's openings that allow for
product entrance.
FIG. 11A is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the
actuator assembly showing an insert with a diaphragm MBU piece.
FIG. 11B is an overhead view of the diaphragm MBU piece of FIG.
11A.
FIG. 12A is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the
actuator assembly showing an insert with a die cut gasket and a
compression fitment.
FIG. 12B is a bottom view of the compression fitment MBU of FIG.
12A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With the above summary in mind, it may now be helpful in fully
understanding the inventive features of the present invention to
provide in the following description a thorough and detailed
discussion of a number of specific embodiments of the
invention.
Most generally, and referring to FIGS. 1-6, it may be seen in
overview that the actuator assembly 10 according to this invention
provides a flexible face member (or fitment) 16 that flexes away
from first and second positive shutoff mating surfaces (a First
mating surface at side 24 of stem 14 and a second mating surface at
face 26 of stem 14, as shown for example in FIG. 3) when product
under pressure flows into contact with the flexible face member 16.
From viewing the figures, it may be understood that the flexible
face member 16 then resiliently springs back into abutting, sealing
contact with these shutoff mating surfaces 24 and 26 when the
pressure is decreased. Preferably, the flexible face member 16
flexes away from the two shutoff mating surfaces at a predetermined
minimum pressure and then flexes back into sealing contact when the
product pressure drops below this minimum pressure, thereby
controlling the dispensing of the product (i.e., the product is
dispensed in a fairly constant pattern and then shut off rather
than being very strong at the beginning of the spraying process and
then dribbling out at the end or under low pressure
operations).
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of the actuator assembly 10 and
FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the actuator assembly 10.
The actuator portion 12 is shown in a dashed circle, and this is
the portion of the actuator assembly 10 that provides flow control
features (i.e., anti-clogging features and anti-dribbling
features).
As shown in FIG. 2, the actuator 12 comprises a stem 14 about which
product can flow in a feed channel 15. The actuator 12 is seated
into the cap 11 of the actuator assembly 10 and is illustrated in
FIG. 2 in the closed position so that the product cannot exit the
actuator 12. The actuator 12 further includes a flexible face
fitment 16 fabricated from a flexible material, such as plastic or
rubber, that provides the resiliency for flexing away from the stem
14 when the product in feed channel 15 reaches a predetermined
minimum pressure and then returning to its original shape when the
pressure is reduced below that minimum pressure. The flexible face
fitment 16 is held in place with compression fitting 18 which also
defines the location and amount of flexing or change in shape that
the flexible face fitment 16 undergoes when under pressures above
the minimum pressure.
With reference now to FIGS. 3-6, certain aspects of the actuator 12
will be more fully described. Turning to FIGS. 3 and 6, the stem 14
is shown sectionally to illustrate the vanes 20 that provide stem
stabilization and define flow paths for the product to contact the
side wall 22 of the flexible face fitment 16 and to flow to the
orifice 23 of the flexible face fitment 16. The stem 14 also
includes an upper, side mating surface 24 and an actuator turbo
face 26 with a turbo tip or nipple 28.
The actuator turbo tip 28 is shown in detail in FIG. 6 and in
combination with the flow channels created by the configuration of
the upper portion of the stem 14 creates vortex flowing, action
that effectively atomizes the product as it flows through these
channels and over the actuator turbo face 26. The actuator turbo
face 26 includes a tip or nipple 28 at the center of the face 26
that is configured to mate with the bottom surfaces of the orifice
23 (see FIG. 3) of the flexible face fitment 16 to provide better
sealing. The flexible face fitment 16 further includes a flexible
sealing face 30 to provide a sealing surface to mate with the
actuator turbo face 26.
FIG. 4 provide an enlarged view of the flexible face fitment 16 and
FIG. 5 provides enlarged views of the compression fitting 18 that
is used to hold the flexible face fitment 16 within the actuator
assembly 10.
To further understand the features of the invention, it may be
useful to provide a quick overview of the movement of the
components during operation of the actuator assembly 10.
When the actuator assembly 10 is closed or shut, the flexible face
fitment 16 is in a biased state in an "at rest" position (see FIGS.
1-3) in which the side wall 22 of fitment 16 abuttingly and
sealably contacts the side mating surface 24 of the stem 14 (see
FIG. 3); and the flexible sealing face 30 of fitment 16 contacts
the top mating surface of the actuator turbo face 26 of the stem
14, with such contact being made, at a minimum, at the base of the
tip 28 on face 26 of stem 14. In this fashion, two sealing surfaces
are provided. The sealing surface between the face 26 and tip 28 of
the stem 14, and the face 30 of fitment 16, controls the escape of
moisture thereby reducing the amount of drying and hardening of any
product near the face 30 and the orifice 23. When the actuator cap
11 is pressed downward releasing pressurized product, the product
flows into channel 15 (FIG. 2) and contacts the flexible face
fitment 16. The flexible face fitment 16 is made of a material and
has a wall thickness that resists movement/flexing until a
predetermined minimum pressure is reached. In the disclosed
embodiment, 55 psig is the preferred minimum pressure required,
however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide range
of predetermined pressures could be effective depending upon what
component materials and configurations are selected.
When the product in the channel 15 reaches this predetermined
minimum pressure, the side walls 22 of the fitment 16 flex outward
until they contact the inner side walls 34 of the compression
fitting 18. This movement of the flexible face fitment 16 opens
flow channels for the product along the stem 14 up to the face 30
of the flexible face fitment 16 and to the actuator turbo face 26
of the stem 14 (it being understood that the flexible face fitment
16 opens in an area of the fitment 16 that is within the opening of
compression fitting 18--this area of the fitment 16 is referred to
as the "expandable seal area" and is shown with reference numeral
54 in FIG. 4). The pressurized product forces a "face area"
(reference numeral 56 in FIG. 4) that is within an opening
(reference numeral 55 in FIG. 5) exposed by the compression fitting
18 and hereafter referred to as the "lip seal orifice" (reference
numeral 56 in FIG. 4) to release the product in a spray pattern
determined by various configurations of turbo-vortexing designs
specified by certain product viscosities or formulations such as
room fresheners or hair sprays (see, for example, 11A through 12B).
These turbo-vortexing chambers are determined by existing formulae
which are known to persons practicing in the field, and which are
used to develop a certain pattern by way of parameters factored
into them to yield a specific factor for optimum performance. The
product is also atomized by the turbo face 26 and the flow
channels, including vanes 20, of the stem 14 as it exits the
actuator assembly 10. When the pressure of the product decreases
below the minimum pressure (for example, when the cap 11 is
released closing a valve(s) or for other reasons), the expandable
seal area 54 of flexible face 30 of the flexible face fitment 16
closes against the tip 28 of the stem 14, and the side wall 22 of
the flexible face fitment 16 returns to its mating position with
the side wall 24 of the stem 14. This closing action is very rapid
which minimizes any dripping or dribbling of product and is
substantially simultaneous at each sealing surface.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herewith,
tabs 50 and grooves 52 (see FIG. 3) facilitate the
alignment/registration of pieces during assembly and use, helping
ensure that the pieces are set in the correct alignment and remain
in concentric registration throughout use of the actuator assembly.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate the numerous means by
which to achieve a similar registration function, including the
snap-fit methodology of FIG. 3 and the barb-fit methodology of FIG.
7. The geometry of the flexible face fitment 16 and compression
fitting 18 provide for the operational concentricity and
registration which, in turn, provides for optimum functional spray
patterns. Such geometry is variable and may be seen in several
alternate embodiments (see FIGS. 7 through 12B).
Of particular importance, the actuator assembly 10 according to
this invention, may be utilized in a variety of applications. It
may, for instance, replace existing mechanisms, and it may also be
used on newly designed pumps or aerosolized mechanisms. Now that
the invention has been explained, other actuator assembly
embodiments may be readily understood.
With reference to FIG. 7, the flexible face seal of this invention
may be embodied in a four-piece design 10a that can be used as a
retrofit to an existing actuator. The four pieces include: a
compression fitting 18a similar in geometry and function to that
disclosed in FIGS. 1-6, and further including a barb ridge 60
protruding from its otherwise cylindrical outer wall 61 that allows
the secure seating and the alignment/registration of the four-piece
design 10a; a flexible face fitment 16a that is also similar in
function to that disclosed in FIGS. 1-6, and further including a
washer-like seal bead ring 70 encircling the exterior of its side
wall 71; a rigid stem fitment 80 disposed within the stem area of
the previous embodiment, including a tip seal 28a and a side wall
81, with at least part of the tip seal 28a capable of abutting and
sealably contacting the biased lip seal orifice 56a of the flexible
face fitment 16a, and at least part of the side wall 81 capable of
abutting and sealably contacting the side wall 71 of the flexible
face fitment 16a; and an actuator fitment 12a, with one protrusion
90 essentially disposed beneath and within the rigid stem fitment
80, and a second protrusion in the form of an outer wall 91
surrounding the rigid stem fitment 80, its purpose to seal the area
referred to as the capillary circumferential pocket 92, which is
defined as the area between the flexible face fitment 16a and the
rigid stem fitment 80, and to help ensure that the fitments are set
in the correct alignment and remain in concentric registration
throughout use of the actuator assembly.
The embodiment of FIG. 7 specifies a product flow path differing
from that disclosed in the preferred embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1-6. In this alternative embodiment, the product initially
flows into a feed channel 95 when a predetermined minimum pressure
is exerted upon the actuator 10a. The flowing product encounters a
washer-like seal bead ring 70, disposed around the exterior of the
side wall 71 of the flexible face fitment 16a. The product's
contact with the seal bead ring 70 urges the side wall 71 of the
flexible face fitment 16a inward, thus allowing product to enter
three strategically positioned slots 96 which direct the product
onto the 360-degree feed groove 97 at the peripheral edge leading
into the vortexing channels 98. The product pressure within the
vortexing channels 98 serves to lift the biased lip seal orifice
56a off the rigid stem fitment's tip seal 28a and the product is
simultaneously atomized in a manner similar to that disclosed in
the embodiment described in FIGS. 1-6. When the pressure drops
below its critical value, the seal bead ring 70 and the side wall
71 of the flexible face fitment 16a flex outward, sealably
contacting the flexible face fitment 16a to the rigid inner wall 62
of the compression fitting 18a, thus closing the path through which
product flows. This outward flexing motion of the seal bead ring 70
and the side wall 71 also serves to increase the area within the
capillary circumferential pocket 92 which effectively functions to
reduce product bleeding at the end of the dispensing cycle by
suctioning product from the three slots 96, the feed groove 97, and
the vortexing channels 98.
The compression fitting 18a, serves the same purpose as in the
embodiment already discussed, insofar as it encompasses all of the
flexible face fitment 16a, with the exception of the lip seal
orifice 56a, and it constrains the outward movement of the flexible
face fitment 16a at the point when the flexible face fitment 16a
contacts its rigid inner wall 62.
The rigid stem fitment 80 is concentrically registered with the
flexible face fitment 16a and the compression fitting 18a through
the placement of the actuator fitment 12a that is disposed within
the rigid stem fitment 80 to secure its positioning and due to the
protruding barb ridge 60 running around the outer wall 61 of the
compression fitting 18a. In this embodiment, the vortexing channels
98 can either be located on the face of the rigid stem fitment 80
or on the underside of the flexible face fitment 16a and the
actuator assembly will still yield similar results.
With reference to FIG. 8, the flexible face seal of this invention
may be embodied in a two-piece design that can be used as part of a
custom designed actuator. This assembly shows that the actuator
assembly disclosed in either FIGS. 1-6 or in FIG. 7 would be part
of a pump assembly with or without an outlet valving means. This
assembly would serve as the outlet means in those pumps having only
inlet valving means. This presents an advantage over relevant art
since the need for a separate outlet system is eliminated in newly
designated pump concepts.
In this embodiment, a sub-assembly could be created combining a
flexible face fitment 16b, a compression fitting 18b, and a rigid
stem fitment 80b into a single component. This sub-assembly could
be joined to another sub-assembly such that the actuator and pump
body could be combined to form one piece which fits into a
disposable reservoir to complete the system.
With reference to FIG. 9, the flexible face seal of this invention
may be embodied in another custom designed actuator, this actuator
designed to fit onto a specially designed aerosol container
requiring a unique spray pattern. In this embodiment, the flexible
face fitment 16c is disposed over a valve post assembly 190
similarly to the embodiments disclosed in FIG. 7. As in the other
disclosed embodiments, the compression fitting 18c is disposed over
the flexible face fitment 16c to arrest its outward motion when the
actuator assembly is under a predetermined required pressure. The
distinction of this embodiment is dictated by the geometry of the
container's housing. The structural nature of the aerosol container
requires an elongated stem area 191 in order to place the orifice
on the edge of the aerosol can. This embodiment utilizes the basic
product flow and dispensing means disclosed above.
With reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C, a familiar valve post
assembly 190a, similar to that utilized in the alternative
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, incorporates a one-piece molded
assembly housing 100 that provides for the threadable attachment of
the compression fitting 118. The molded assembly housing 100 also
utilizes capillary circumferential pockets 92a, similar to the
capillary circumferential pocket 92 in FIG. 7, for the same purpose
of reducing product bleeding at the completion of the dispensing
cycle.
Similar to other disclosed embodiments, the compression fitting 118
restricts the flexible fitment 116 which is itself also restricted
by the valve post 190a. As in other disclosed embodiments, the
pressure of the product flow serves to lift the face of the
flexible fitment 116 off of the valve post 190a allowing for
product to be dispensed. As the compression fitting 118 lifts
higher with the flexible fitment 116, the spray pattern of the
product changes or varies from a wide spray to a narrower spray. As
seen in FIG. 10B, the flexible fitment 116 comprises two depending
walls 120 that sealably contact the valve post 190a. Under
pressure, the two depending walls 120 and the flexible fitment lip
seal 56b flex away from the valve post 190a thus creating a product
flow slot up along the valve post 190a. In FIG. 10C, the openings
122 of the two depending walls 120 are shown to be the entrance for
the product. As product flows through the openings 122 of the two
depending walls 120, the geometry of the walls 120 creates a
swirling action of the product which leads to atomizes the product
as it swirls around the valve post 190a and up to the flexible
fitment lip seal 56b.
Alternatively, flexible diaphragms and gaskets can be employed to
accomplish similar valving results as those disclosed in the
embodiments discussed above. In order to obtain specific spray
patterns, the alternate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 can be
customized to yield the alternative embodiments of non-clog
actuator inserts illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 12A. Each
incorporates a threaded stem fitment and a threaded compression
fitment that are employed to create a more precise custom retrofit.
The alternate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11A discloses an
actuator assembly with a flexible diaphragm 110, featuring a
swirled pattern of vortex channels 111 situated 120.degree. apart
on its face (see FIG. 11B), abutting a threaded compression fitting
118a with smooth underside, cumulatively forming one-way valving
means. In this embodiment, product under pressure pushes the
diaphragm 110 from the underside upwards and flat against the
smooth face of the underside of the threaded compression fitting
118, causing the peripheral edge 112 of the diaphragm 110 to dip
down, thus providing a path for the product to reach the vortex
channels 111 upon the face of the diaphragm 110 where the pressure
forces the lip seal 56c off the tip 28c.
The alternate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12A discloses an
actuator assembly with a flexible die cut gasket 125 with a smooth
face abutting a threaded compression fitting 118b featuring a
swirled pattern of vortex channels 111 a situated 120.degree. apart
on its underside (see FIG. 12B), cumulatively forming one-way
valving means. In this embodiment, product under pressure pushes
the die cut gasket 125 upwards against the swirled pattern of
vortex channels 111a a on the underside of the threaded compression
fitting 118b, causing the gasket 125 and the smooth face of
compression fitting 118b to flex together, upwards, where the
pressure forces the lip seal 56d off the tip 28d. The product path
in this embodiment is through the vertical grooves 121 situated
directly along the inner wall of compression fitting 118b and
around gasket 125 which provides a path for the product to reach
the vortex channels 111a upon the underside of the threaded
compression fitting 118b.
In both of the above-disclosed embodiments, the compression
fittings 118a and 118b can either be snapped into position or
threadably attached, although the embodiments are not limited to
any particular means of connection. Likewise, brass, or another
metal, can be used in addition to, or instead of, plastic fitments.
For instance, a threaded brass pin could be inserted in the stem
area of an actuator assembly, and coupled with a brass restrictor
plate that is threadably connected with a brass retainer fitment,
yield additional structural durability and afford greater precision
in the assembly process. The material of the fitments and fittings
are not limiting factors in the disclosed invention and those
materials specifically shown are presented only for purposes of
illustration.
Since numerous modifications and combinations of the above method
and embodiments will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it
is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and
processes shown and described above. Accordingly, resort may be
made to all suitable modifications and equivalents that fall within
the scope of the invention as defined by the claims which follow.
The words "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," "include(s)," and
"including" when used in this specification and in the following
claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features or
steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more other features, steps, or groups thereof.
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